Numbers 28:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 28:15
15 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
Chapter Context
Numbers 28 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, faith. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 28:15
15 And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
Analysis
God requires: 'And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.' Even during monthly new moon celebrations, sin offering remained necessary. The Hebrew 'chattat' (sin offering) acknowledged that worship and celebration don't erase sin's reality - atonement is always required. The phrase 'beside the continual burnt offering' shows sin offering didn't replace regular worship but supplemented it. This teaches that festive worship doesn't excuse neglecting sin's seriousness. Even joyful occasions require acknowledging our need for atonement. Christ is our perpetual sin offering, making all worship acceptable (Heb 10:10-14).
Historical Context
The monthly new moon offerings included burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings, and this sin offering (v.11-15). Unlike voluntary peace offerings expressing joy, sin offerings addressed the ongoing sin reality even among God's people. The kid goat was standard sin offering for community sins (Lev 4:23). This monthly reminder kept Israel conscious of their constant need for atonement. The practice taught that proximity to God requires continuous cleansing, not one-time purification. Post-temple Judaism lost the sacrificial system; only Christ's once-for-all sacrifice truly addresses ongoing sin. Yet we maintain the principle through regular confession and appropriating His blood (1 John 1:9).
Reflection
- Do you maintain awareness of your ongoing need for Christ's atoning sacrifice, or presume past conversion makes current confession unnecessary?
- How can you cultivate regular confession rhythm, acknowledging daily sins and appropriating Christ's cleansing blood?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Numbers 28:3
- Sin: Numbers 15:24, 28:22